I will give you some restaurant ideas (tapas restaurants are perfect for single diners) if you tell me the area of your hotel..

I just returned and I must say that the food in Barcelona on this trip ranks with the best I've had on any vacation.

eks, looking forward to your suggestions!
We'll be in Barcelona next month on the way home from Sevilla, but only for 2 nights ( this time).
Going again in the fall.

Danon: The food, as you know, was just outstanding. I agree with you about the Ramblas. We actually tried to avoid it as much as possible. And was very glad we had chosen our apt on Ronda Universitat instead of in Born. Also liked very much the area of Gracia.

With the exception of one dinner in Born, all of our restaurants were in the Eixample. I will make sure to give you the names of where we ate before you leave, even if I do not get to them in my slow-going report by then.. (The report has progressed only as far as the second day in Valencia!)

ekscrunchy,
We visited Barcelona in October to see our daughter who was studying there at the time. She took us to the Gracia and Sarria neighborhoods, which we really enjoyed visiting. We had lunch several times at a cafe on the square where the small church is located in Gracia. It was so pleasant getting off the beaten tourist path & wandering around these 2 neighborhoods.

For restaurants, our favorite is Cervesaria Catalana in Eixample

bjc280,
For sightseeing, I recommend Sagrada Familia, Casa Battlo & Cada Mila (La Pedrera). Also, Parc Guell if you have time, and Palau de la Musica. Do go inside of Sagrada Familia, if you have the time, I think the interior is fascinating & impressive. You should take the elevator to the top for some great views of Barcelona. You will enter through the Passion Facade, but don't take the elevator on that side because the line is usually horrendously long. There is an elevator near the Nativity Facade, & we only had to wait 10 minutes.

thanks eks, we are staying in Eixample on 20th and 21st...
but coming back to Barcelona in the fall for a week. Would like to explore Gracia ... Even after 4 visits there is more to find !
Your report on Valencia made me decide to make a 2 day trip there in the fall. Gracias.

ekscrunchy- I am going to be staying at hotel royal...

thank you pdx, danon, Kwoo

I have another question

I am going to Barcelona then Madrid (is the best way to get to Madrid Fast Train or Plane- and would I be able to book either when I am there)?

the train is very expensive ( more than the plane) unless you get the reduced internet fare.
We took the train last April..it was great - center to center in 3 hours.
Navigating Renfe could be a pain.
http://www.renfe.com/

Tapac 24 has great food in a very lively atmosphere. Not far from your hotel, walking away from the water. They are used to dealing with tourists but the food is still stellar and they get loads of locals, too. Open from 8am to 10pm without break, which is also handy.


http://www.tapac24.com/tapac24/english/index.html

If I were you, I would probably eat breakfast and lunch inside the Boqueria market...near your hotel. Watch what people near you are eating or get the recommendations from the staff. Mostly seating at a counter/bar.

Thank you danon- In dollars do you know how much the train would be... would I be able to book it when I am there? or do I need to do it ahead?--- If I want to take a plane do I need to do that ahead of time?

ekscrunchy- thank you for the recommendation!

I am used to booking everything ahead of time.
The low net fare for train sells out fast.
I don't know when you are traveling...last April I got train tickets for 60% off the regular fare ( paid about 65 dollars) The airfare was close to it.
Full price AVE train ticket is about 160 dollars.
Vueling flies for 50-65 dollars depending on time and day.

Danon- I am leaving Barcelona on the 5th to get to Madrid.

I also have another question- once I land in barcelona- are there cabs that are parked there so I can get to my hotel?

yes there are many cab. also, there is a bus to Placa Catalunya.
If you mean April 5th...Vueling has 12 flights that day.
http://www.vueling.com/booking/booki...ciona-tu-vuelo

the price is 40-60 euros .

There are some reduced train fares available with 40% discount, but it would be about 70 euros or more.
Bying train tickets on line takes some work.

thank you danon

ekscrunchy, really looking forward to your Barcelona tips/report as we are going May 12th.

Question: what does everyone think is best for me to do... I need to take the train from barcelona to madrid- should i buy my train ticket ahead of time or get it there?